Pittsburgh Pirates: Considering a Change to the Rule 5 Draft

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 20: A New Era pillbox Pittsburgh Pirates baseball hat is seen in the dugout during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at PNC Park on July 20, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The current incarnation of the Rule 5 Draft has been around since the mid-1960’s, but does it need a rework? What could be changed? How would it impact the Pittsburgh Pirates and the rest of MLB?

The Rule 5 Draft is an easy way for a team to find a diamond in the rough. A team can pick any player, not on any 40-man roster, was signed at 18-years-old or younger and has 5 years in the minor leagues, or was signed at 19-years-old or older and has 4 years…